Rapid Sports Betting Initiated by Enthusiasts in Ohio Following the Debut of Sportsbook Application
Fanatics Opens Retail Sportsbook at Cleveland Guardians' Progressive Field
Fanatics Betting and Gaming has made its entrance into the world of sports betting with the opening of a retail sportsbook at the Cleveland Guardians' Progressive Field. The sportsbook, located outside the ballpark's Right Field District Gate in space formerly occupied by a New Era store, will officially open on August 17, 2023, prior to the team's doubleheader with the Detroit Tigers.
The new sportsbook will offer a range of betting options, including two betting windows, four self-service betting kiosks, and seven TV monitors. It will be open to the general public from 2 to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 11 am. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
During the beta testing phase in Ohio, Fanatics took $2.2 million in bets and generated revenue of $402,222 from them. The sportsbook's volume in Ohio was the 11th highest among 18 mobile operators during this period. It's worth noting that 97% of sports betting in Ohio is done online.
This is not Fanatics' first foray into the retail sportsbook market. The company operates the only retail sportsbook inside an NFL stadium at the Washington Commanders' FedExField in Maryland. In Ohio, Fanatics has already established a retail sportsbook presence in the Arena District of Columbus adjacent to Nationwide Arena.
However, as of mid-2025, there are no publicly announced additional retail sportsbook locations for Fanatics in Ohio beyond this Arena District site. The focus appears to be on growing its online betting user base in Ohio through promotions and bonuses, with ongoing campaigns offering up to $1,000 in no-sweat bets and other incentives for new users in Ohio and other states.
Ohio's law allows professional sports franchises to partner with sportsbook operators for retail sportsbooks at or near their venues. While no future retail sportsbook expansion in Ohio has been announced yet, if it does occur, it will likely be communicated through official Fanatics communications or state regulatory filings.
The sportsbook's opening will be marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:30 p.m., featuring a first bet by former Cleveland pitcher Paul Shuey. Ohio is one of the four states where Fanatics has laid the groundwork for a major national growth plan.
[1] Source: Fanatics press release, date unknown [2] Source: Fanatics promotional materials, date unknown [3] Source: Ohio Casino Control Commission data, June 2023 [4] Source: Sports Handle, date unknown
- Fanatics' new retail sportsbook at Progressive Field offers a blend of sports betting and finance, providing two betting windows, self-service kiosks, and TV monitors for customers to enjoy.
- In Ohio's burgeoning sports-betting market, Fanatics' business strategy appears to prioritize online growth through promotions, while maintaining a presence in retail locations like Progressive Field and the Arena District.
- As Fanatics expands its sports-betting line into more states, the opening of its retail sportsbook at Progressive Field marks a significant step in their national growth plan, positioning them as a key player in the sports-betting industry.
